Advancing New Zealand’s Supercritical Geothermal Opportunity

Abstract

The supercritical geothermal opportunity for New Zealand is being assessed through a New Zealand Government-funded research programme; Geothermal: The Next Generation (2019-2024). Geoscience research includes theoretical evaluation and identification of supercritical resources at temperatures between 400 to 600ºC and depths down to about six kilometres. Complementary engagement, regulatory and market research activities are proposed, seeking to de-risk exploratory drilling and ultimately technology deployment. The long-term challenge for New Zealand is to go beyond conventional geothermal systems, using scientific, technological, regulatory, market and societal solutions that together, will de-risk and accelerate New Zealand’s supercritical development. To support this goal, a New Zealand supercritical heat strategy is being designed to advance from today’s understanding, through to deployable technology by 2040. Sector-wide deployment by 2050 is aligned with New Zealand’s aspirations to be “carbon zero” by 2050. The strategy will build on the scientific understanding of New Zealand’s supercritical resources, leverage international experience, and propose specific work streams to facilitate utilisation of these earth energy resources. The strategy is expected to have three phases each spanning a decade: • 2020-2030: Research and preparation for exploration drilling • 2030-2040: Exploration drilling, pilot scale trials and feasibility demonstration • 2040-2050: Sector-wide deployment Action Plans will assist in implementation of the strategy, and an Action Group will drive implementation. This paper introduces the research programme, the broader strategy development process, and the approach to engagement with potential players across the geothermal industry, academia, research, regulatory, business, Māori, the finance sector and government entities. New Zealand’s supercritical journey is already underway www.geothermalnextgeneration.com.